Owolabi Salis: Nigeria’s First Astronaut and Africa’s Trailblazer in Space

Owolabi Salis, a Nigerian-born lawyer, accountant, explorer, and former political aspirant, has just added another monumental title to his impressive list of achievements—Africa’s first astronaut.

In June 2025, Salis made history by boarding Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital flight, becoming the first African to cross the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. His flight wasn’t just a technological triumph but also a profoundly spiritual and symbolic journey—one that represents the aspirations of millions across Africa and beyond.

A Journey that Breaks the Mold: Owolabi Salis’s Remarkable Life

Salis’s life story is one of unwavering determination and a passion for breaking barriers. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. His legal credentials are equally impressive, with a Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B.) from the University of Lagos and certification by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). In fact, he is licensed as both a lawyer and a chartered accountant in Nigeria and the United States.

For years, Salis balanced his career as a high-powered attorney with his deep interest in political reform and social justice. As the managing partner of Salis Law, a prominent firm based in New York City, Salis has handled complex legal matters spanning various sectors and countries. The firm, originally established in 1992, made its mark in 2002 when it migrated to the U.S.

Salis has also been a vocal advocate for economic inclusivity and fair governance. As the founder of the Niger Delta Peoples Development Organization, he has worked tirelessly to support underprivileged communities. His political journey includes multiple bids for the Lagos State governorship under various parties, including the PDP (2003, 2007) and the Alliance for Democracy (2019). Through his campaigns, Salis has championed social justice, equity, and fairness—values he also passionately explores in his book, Equitocracy, where he calls for more balanced democratic governance.

But beyond the world of courtrooms and policy debates, Salis is an adventurer at heart, driven by a quest to push human boundaries in unexpected ways.

Before Space: Owolabi Salis Conquered the Poles

Long before making history as an astronaut, Salis demonstrated his spirit of exploration when he became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctica in a single season. This incredible feat not only cemented his reputation as a true pioneer but also showcased his relentless determination to explore the most remote and extreme frontiers of our planet.

This polar expedition was more than a remarkable geographical achievement—it underscored Salis’s commitment to endurance, exploration, and now, his journey to the stars.

A Spiritual Journey: Reflections from Space

For Owolabi Salis, his suborbital flight with Blue Origin was not just about crossing the Kármán line or achieving a new personal milestone. It was a spiritual journey, as he later described in an interview. “This was a chance to reflect on our planet, on unity, and on the greatness that lies within every African child who dares to dream,” Salis shared.

From space, Salis found himself pondering Africa’s untapped scientific potential, the importance of fair governance, and the need for Africans to reclaim space—not just in the physical realm, but intellectually and aspirationally. His experience was deeply reflective, viewing the Earth from a vantage point that symbolized not only humanity’s fragility but also its infinite possibilities.

A Role Model for a Continent: Owolabi Salis’s Legacy in Space

Salis’s journey marks a historic milestone in African space exploration. While the continent has produced some of the world’s finest minds in science and engineering, few have had the opportunity to physically enter space. Salis’s spaceflight flips that script, providing millions of African youth with a tangible image of what’s possible—an African man, of Nigerian origin, gazing out over Earth from the edge of the universe.

His mission represents far more than a single person’s achievement; it’s a beacon for Africa’s emerging role in global space exploration and technology. Salis’s journey reminds us that space is not a distant dream—it’s within reach, and African countries can become key players in the space race.

What’s Next for Owolabi Salis?

True to his adventurous spirit, Salis isn’t one to rest on his laurels. He plans to use the momentum of his historic spaceflight to empower youth, advocate for STEM education, and play a pivotal role in science policy across Africa. Through public speaking, writing, and continued advocacy, Salis aims to ensure that future African astronauts don’t have to wait decades or come from privileged backgrounds to reach space.

His legacy isn’t just about space travel; it’s about inspiring a continent to believe in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead when vision and courage intersect.

Salis’s remarkable journey teaches us that anything is possible—no matter where you come from, space belongs to everyone.